Therapy dog visits Zee Bus readers

Charlie, an English Cream Golden Retriever, plopped down on the damp grass Friday at Zeeland’s Lawrence Street Park.

Debby Kamps brought her 2-year-old pup to the park to carry out his duties as a certified therapy dog.

Every week, Zeeland’s rolling library, the Zee Bus, makes a stop at the park. Charlie is there waiting for kids to sit down next to him and read aloud the stories they've picked out. His role is to sit calmly while they read, although he welcomes hugging, petting and scratching under the chin.

In addition to school events, Kamps said she and Charlie sometimes visit hospitals and nursing homes, but with “kids is where he shines.”

The duo plan to visit the park every Friday at 10 a.m. in June and August to sit with young readers.